Geography Geography 5 min read

COASTAL TREASURES

Do You Know Which Are The 10 Best Beaches In The United States?

Picture the most beautiful, calm beach you can imagine. Soft, warm sand, gentle waves crashing on the shore, and the perfect temperature for sunbathing. While you probably think places like this are only found in paradisiacal exotic lands, the truth is that the United States is home to many incredible beaches. Which one would you include on your list? We've compiled a list of the top 10 beaches in the United States, and if you haven't visited them yet, we suggest you start planning your trip!

1
Coronado Beach, California

Image: KC Welch

Located in Southern California , Coronado Beach is one of the coastal areas that make up this list, and with good reason.

This beach is known for its golden sands that shine under the sunlight, thanks to the presence of mica, a mineral with reflective properties. Picture yourself relaxing there, watching a sunset that makes the sand sparkle ; it's dreamy! Plus, the calm waves allow you not only to take a swim whenever you want but also to practice water sports and activities.

To make your visit even more epic, you can stay at the Hotel del Coronado , a national historic landmark that stands out for its elegant Victorian style. With many years of existence, this hotel has hosted many personalities from our country and the world!

2
Coopers Beach, New York

Image: Jeremy Ricketts

Coopers Beach , in Southampton, New York , is a frequent name in national and global rankings for the best beaches.

In addition to its clear sand and quality water, this beach has another great advantage: its proximity to New York City allows you to explore many landmarks during your trip. Mixing walks in the bustling city with the tranquility of relaxing on the beach will create a unique balance during your vacation!

3
Wailea Beach, Hawaii

Image: Luke Scarpino

When discussing beaches, Hawaii must be part of the conversation. A destination that definitely makes this list is the spectacular Wailea Beach , located in Maui, Hawaii.

If landscapes are your thing, this is the right place for you. With its clear sands and turquoise water, Wailea Beach will not disappoint any beach lover.

Also, this beach in Hawaii is ideal for diving, as it has a wide and varied marine life.

4
Cannon Beach, Oregon

Image: Sneha Chandrashekar

Few places can compare to the natural beauty of Cannon Beach in Oregon.

If you want a picture that gets all the likes , Cannon Beach is the spot for you, as this place is home to the iconic Haystack Rock , an incredible sea stack that rises above the horizon. Imagine walking along those golden sands and tide pools at sunset or very early in the morning!

In addition, this Oregon location is popular among family travelers, and the locals are said to be warm and friendly to visitors.

5
Zuma Beach, California

Image: Jenna Day

With one of the most famous beaches in the country, Malibu , California could not be left out of this list.

Zuma Beach 's constant waves have made it one of the favorite spots for West Coast surfers, who have been gathering in Malibu for many, many years. So, if you want to see surfers doing their magic, you know where to go.

On the other hand, if you'd like to take pictures with celebrities, you should probably visit Malibu, as many movie and music stars have vacation homes in this coastal city.

But if all of the above isn't enough, let's also mention that Zuma Beach is one of the busiest places in the summer, making it ideal for meeting people!

6
Caladesi Island State Park, Florida

Image: Joanna Szumska

There is something that makes Caladesi Island State Park , Florida, a very special place: this beach has long preserved itsnatural stateand wildlife, making it ideal for those who wish to reconnect with nature. This site is only accessible by boat, which, added to its landscapes, promises tranquility, calm , and silence for its visitors.

Its white sand and turquoise water make it a paradise-like beach that can compete with the best Caribbean destinations.

7
Laguna Beach, California

Image: JK Jung

The clear water of Laguna Beach in California is simply captivating. For that reason, many tourists and locals choose this beach for diving and snorkeling.

In addition, Laguna Beach is committed to the care of the environment , promoting the reduction of plastic use and other polluting products. Thus, its beaches are always kept clean and pristine. What are you waiting for to pay a visit to this beautiful place?

8
Poipu Beach, Hawaii

Image: Laurence Gonsalves

The sun is almost always shining on beautiful Poipu Beach in Hawaii . If you are looking for sunny weather and great temperatures to relax on the beach, don't hesitate to visit this place.

Additionally, animal lovers will feel in paradise at Poipu Beach, as here you can find creatures like sea turtles , monk seals, and colorful birds that will make your visit magical.

Another point that makes Poipu Beach a popular destination is its location. Situated on the south shore of Kauai , it is easily accessible to tourists!

9
Main Beach, New York

Image: David Di Veroli

If you really want to live the East Coast beach experience, you can't miss Main Beach in East Hampton, New York.

This beach has the charm of New York State mixed with the sophistication of East Hampton, the purity of nature , and the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean; what more could we ask for?

Besides, Main Beach is known for its cleanliness and maintenance of its facilities, which makes all visitors want to come back.

10
Siesta Beach, Florida

Image: Theodore Poncet

We leave the spectacular Siesta Beach in Sarasota, Florida , for the end, considered by many specialists as the best beach in our country.

One of the things that make it so unique is its sand. It's not just its light color or its soft, powdery texture; Siesta Beach's sand is composed of quartz crystals! This keeps it cool even on the hottest summer days. In addition, the place hosts the annual Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival, which brings sculptors from all over the country to create works of art with this unique sand!

If you're planning to visit the Gulf of Mexico , Siesta Beach is the place for you, as it offers stunning views and perfect facilities that match every traveler's needs.

General General 4 min read

Were you fooled?

Myths and stories behind famous brands: Are they true?

Image: Ana Dvoranen

Can you tell fact from fiction when it comes to major brands? Some stories sound too wild to be true—a $35 logo that became iconic, a soda once laced with cocaine, a chocolate tycoon who dodged the Titanic. In this article, your challenge is to guess whether the myths are true or false before we decode them. Ready to play Fact or Fiction ?

1
Nike’s Swoosh was created for $35

Image: Shubham Mittal

Yes, it was. The iconic Nike swoosh was sketched in 1971 by Carolyn Davidson, a graphic design student, for the grand sum of $35. She was helping out a friend—Nike co-founder Phil Knight—who needed a logo for his up-and-coming sneaker brand.

Years later, as Nike soared, the company gave her a thank-you gift: a gold swoosh ring and stock options that ended up being worth millions .

2
Coca-Cola originally contained cocaine

Image: Olena Bohovyk

It sounds like an urban legend, but it’s true: early versions of Coca-Cola did contain coca leaf extract , which naturally included trace amounts of cocaine. When pharmacist John Pemberton invented the drink in 1886, it was marketed as a "brain tonic" and nerve remedy, back when cocaine was legal and considered medicinal. By 1929, the formula was fully decocainized.

3
Neither Ben nor Jerry had any previous business experience

Image: Hybrid Storytellers

Absolutely. Longtime friends Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield took a $5 correspondence course in ice cream making from Penn State and launched their first scoop shop in a converted gas station in Vermont in 1978.

4
Barbie was based on a German adult doll

Image: Peyman Shojaei

True! She sure was. In the 1950s, Ruth Handler spotted a German novelty doll called Bild Lilli while on vacation. Originally sold as a gag gift for men, Lilli was fashionable, curvy, and definitely not meant for children. But Handler saw potential: she reimagined Lilli as a stylish role model for girls, and the first Barbie debuted in 1959.

5
Milton Hershey missed the Titanic voyage

Image: Janne Simoes

He definitely wasn’t on board—lucky for him! But just how close he came to sailing is uncertain. Legend has it that Milton Hershey and his wife were set to sail on the Titanic in 1912, but canceled at the last minute.

The only clue? A check stub showing a $300 deposit to the White Star Line. While there’s no confirmed ticket, the story has stuck.

6
GM hated (and banned) the nickname "Chevy"

Image: Jose Mueses

This one is partially true. In 2010, GM sent a memo urging employees to stop using the nickname "Chevy" in favor of the full "Chevrolet." The public backlash was swift—critics called the move tone-deaf. After all, "Chevy" was beloved, catchy, and woven into Americana.

Within days, the company backpedaled , assuring fans that "Chevy" wasn’t going anywhere. You just can’t mess with a nickname that’s already set in people’s hearts.

7
Apple was named after the forbidden fruit

Image: TheRegisti

Not quite. Steve Jobs chose the name "Apple" in 1976 because it sounded "fun, spirited, and not intimidating." It also gave the young company a strategic edge—it came before "Atari" in the phone book, which mattered in the era of printed directories.

8
Starbucks was named after Moby Dick’s first mate

Image: Athar Khan

Yes, though it was a winding path. The founders were searching for a name that evoked the seafaring tradition of coffee trading. After toying with " Pequod " (Captain Ahab’s ship), they landed on "Starbuck"—the first mate in Moby-Dick and a name with a strong, classic ring to it.

9
Harley-Davidson was going bankrupt, but its logo saved it

Image: Donald Teel

This one is sort of true. In the early 1980s, Harley-Davidson was revving on empty. The rise of Japanese bikes had them cornered—until the brand leaned hard into nostalgia . The bar-and-shield logo, dating back to 1910, became the centerpiece of a marketing push built on American pride, leather jackets, and the unmistakable growl of a V-twin engine.

It worked. The logo became a badge of rebellion, and Harley rebounded.

10
There’s an arrow hidden in FedEx’s logo

Image: Toni Pomar

Once you see it, you can’t unsee it. Look closely between the "E" and the "x" in the FedEx logo—there’s a white arrow formed by the negative space. It’s a perfect symbol for speed, direction, and efficiency.

The logo was designed in 1994 by Lindon Leader, and the hidden arrow was no accident. It’s a subtle nod to the company’s core promise: to get it there fast .

11
"Breakfast at Tiffany’s" launched the brand

Image: Sam Lashbrooke

False! Breakfast at Tiffany’s didn’t launch the brand. Tiffany & Co. had been around since 1837, known for fine jewelry and that iconic blue box. However, after the 1961 film, Audrey Hepburn’s little black dress and wistful gaze into the Tiffany’s shop window helped cement the brand’s image of elegance .

12
Levi’s blue jeans were created for gold miners

Image: Varun Gaba

Absolutely. In 1873, Levi Strauss and tailor Jacob Davis patented durable denim trousers with copper rivets— perfect for miners during the California Gold Rush . The jeans were tough, practical, and ideal for the grueling work conditions out west. In time, what began as rugged workwear became an American icon.

13
Amazon was named after "the biggest river"

Image: Sunrise King

Yes, it was intentional. Jeff Bezos wanted a name that conveyed vastness, exoticism, and would appear early in web listings . "Amazon" fit the bill—although it could have been named "Nile," which is often cited as the world’s longest river. Bezos liked the idea of building the biggest online store in the world, just like the Amazon is the biggest river by volume.

Culture Culture 2 min read

Take a stroll through America’s most unforgettable rivalries

Image: Tim Mossholder

Some rivalries are so woven into American life that just hearing the names brings back a memory or two. Sports, politics, soda bottles, even cartoon characters and major film studios have gone head-to-head for generations. Do you think you know them all? Keep reading and see (but no favorites over here!)

1
Yankees vs. Red Sox

Image: Chanan Greenblatt

This feud has colored baseball for more than a century. The teams clashed often in the early 1900s, and the sale of Babe Ruth to New York only fanned the flames. Generations of fans have passed down the lore, and every game still feels like a chapter in a never-ending story.

2
Coca-Cola vs. Pepsi

Image: Nik A.

The "Cola Wars" picked up steam in the late 20th century with taste tests, jingles, and flashy commercials. Each brand tried to outdo the other in ads and sponsorships. Many households still swear one tastes better, even if most folks can barely tell the difference in a blind sip.

3
Lakers vs. Celtics

Image: Tim Hart

When basketball fans talk about greatness, these two names pop up right away. Their battles in the 60s, 80s, and 2000s created unforgettable moments. From Magic and Bird to Kobe and Garnett, each era brought its own flavor. Even non-fans recognize the spark between these teams.

4
Democrats vs. Republicans

Image: Bruno Ngarukiye

The nation’s two major parties have been sparring since the mid-1800s. Their disagreements shape elections, public debates, and dinner conversations across the country. While their views often pull in different directions, both sides trace their roots deep into American history.

5
Michigan vs. Ohio State

Image: Jakob Rosen

College football’s "The Game" is a yearly event that can tilt an entire season. Families in the Midwest grow up picking a side before they can spell the names. The rivalry took shape in the late 1800s and still ends with dramatic finishes, loud crowds, and plenty of bragging rights.

6
Mickey Mouse vs. Bugs Bunny

Image: steven lozano

Disney and Warner Bros. shaped our childhood. Mickey brought gentle charm while Bugs introduced quick wit and a wink at the audience. Their studios battled for box office success, theme park magic, and Saturday morning loyalties, giving generations a favorite to root for.

7
Duke vs. North Carolina

Image: Markus Spiske

Just eight miles separate the schools, and that short drive holds decades of college basketball tension. Their first meeting was back in 1920, and each season brings new storylines. The noise inside their arenas can practically shake the floor when these two square off.

8
Giants vs. Dodgers

Image: Hongbin

This rivalry began in New York before both teams headed west in the 1950s. The move did not cool things down one bit. Whether in Brooklyn and Manhattan or Los Angeles and San Francisco, these clubs have carried the same competitive spark for well over a hundred years.

9
Hamilton vs. Jefferson

Image: Sudan Ouyang

These two founding figures clashed over just about everything. Hamilton leaned toward strong federal power while Jefferson preferred a lighter touch from the central government. Their debates set the stage for questions that still guide the country’s political landscape.

10
Marvel vs. DC

Image: Rachit Khurana

Comic book fans have compared these two universes for generations. Marvel’s heroes often feel grounded and human, while DC characters carry mythic, larger-than-life qualities. Their films, shows, and comics compete for audiences who proudly cheer for their chosen side.

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